Alistair ‘Big Mac’ McDougall awarded 2024 senior community citizen of the year in Narrogin

Alistair McDougall has received the 2024 Narrogin senior community citizen of the year in recognition of the leadership and dedication he showed as a fire officer during the 2022 Wickepin-Narrogin Bushfire. Narrogin shire president Leigh Ballard praised Mr McDougall for the inspirational resilience he displayed and his collaboration with Blazeaid. “Alistair, or ‘Big Mac’ as many know him, has spent his life volunteering in the community,” he said. “In the aftermath of the 2022 fires he transformed into a pillar of support for the community going above and beyond by personally checking on individuals. “Alistair’s inspiring attitude and leadership supported by his family have earned him widespread inspiration. “He played a crucial role in rebuilding community spirit and his resilience and guidance despite facing personal losses became a source of inspiration for many, encouraging them to rebuild and acquire essential skills.” Agricultural Region MLC Steve Martin presented Mr McDougall with his award. “I’m very proud and humbled to receive this award, particularly on behalf of the volunteer firefighters,” Mr McDougall said. “I think they’re undervalued in some respects, they’re one of the few volunteers who go out and put their lives on the line to protect others and I accept this award on behalf of them. “I think they’re probably underrated by the community, they just get on with the job.” Mr McDougall’s brief acceptance speech went down well with the crowd. “I’d just like to thank whoever threw me under the bus,” he joked. “If I find out who it was — beware.”